Question

How can we prepare our toddler for a sibling?

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I have a 20-month-old daughter and I'm pregnant with our second child. Everyone asks if we've told our daughter about the new arrival, but I just don't know how to explain it to her. We point out babies and talk to her about them, but she's just too young to understand. Any ideas on how we can prepare her for a sibling?

My son is the same age and we will have another baby in 1 month. You would be surprised how much your child can actually understand. I told him from the time I was showing. I showed him new babies we saw and he got to see friends who were farther along be pregnant and then see their babies. He completely understands. He kisses my tummy and shows me with his hands that he wants to hold her tiny hands when she comes. He went through a stage where he would point to my belly and shake his head, and when I asked if he didn't want her because he wanted to be the baby, he said yes. He was angry for about a week with this, but seemed to work through it. Even though he can't talk much, he makes himself understood and understands to some extent what is coming. I think it is very important to prepare children, even if they are getting only part of what you are saying. They appreciate being told and get it that something big will happen, by the way you say it.

LittleRedSocks, my son is 3 and i'm due in march. i have no doubts that he'll help just like yours but i worry about him being too excited. a friend of mine had her baby boy today and we visited. the entire time my son would not calm down and wouldn't stop making so much noise. Was that a problem for you? If so how did you address the problem?

My son is almost 20 months and I am due is 4 weeks. He is just not interested in any of the baby stuff, he got excited when we got out his old clothes and started cleaning out his old room but he was mainly just excited to see his old toys lol. He knows "bubba" is in my belly, but he also says everyones belly is bubba now. So yeah I think he just isnt very interested and is in for a big surprise. lol So we just plan to spend lots of time holding him also. It should be an adventure!

I am 25 weeks pregnant and have a 25 month old. So far our daughter seems okay with the idea of a new baby, she sometimes talks to it and wants to sing it songs etc. A friend of mine strongly advised to tell our daughter about her new role as a big sister and to emphasize that we as a family were welcoming a new baby, not just mommy and daddy. DH and I have been asking her what she will teach the baby to do, emphasizing that she is a big girl and she can do all sorts of things the baby won't be able to. She seems to like this idea. Good luck!

I have a 5 and a 6 year old at home, and baby #3 due in July. The first two are 16 months apart. The whole time I was pregnant with my son, I made sure my daughter knew about is, and she got to help me pick things out for him. The day he was born, she was instantly protective and whenever he went for shots after that she would yell at the nurses because she knew what was coming. They're both fully aware they're going to have a baby sister soon, and even my son is excited, though he knows he won't be the baby anymore. He insists on helping me when I'm getting baby things ready, and he loves to tell strangers that he's going to be a big brother. Kids are resiliant. I say tell them they're having a sibling because it helps them get ready for the shock that's on it's way.

I honestly think you should have her close to you or sitting with you and point at your stomach; and say "look at mommy's belly, that's your little sister" or "little brother". And try gently putting her hand on your belly and rub it. Let her know each time that she's got a new sibling coming and to treat him/her with care and love. Now, she may react different. But there's no sure way of knowing; you just gotta be there and guide them. See, I have a 16-month old son, and I 10 weeks pregnant, so I understand completely. I really wish you the best of luck, and feel free to write at any time if you need. Good luck!

I realize that the original post is several years old, but perhaps there are still those out there that might be wondering the same thing!
I am currently 5 months pregnant with my second child; my son is currently 22 months. I do worry a little that he'll be jealous, but the most common response to this concern that I've received is "Jealousy is normal...just be sure to make special time for your first-born and it will all be okay." We're currently teaching our son that there is a baby in mama's belly. I'll say, "Where is mama's baby?" and he'll point to my belly. Lately, he likes to play peeks with my belly and kiss the baby--he thinks it's hilarious!
In addition, we have two nephews that are younger than he is. He is so sweet with them, always giving them hugs and kisses. The way I see it, the more exposure he has to younger babies, the better!
Of course, I won't be able to know whether or not these practices worked until after our 2nd son is born, but I'll keep you all posted.

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